THEMES FROM THE SYNOPTIC GOSPELS AND THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES ' (a) Relate the trial of Jesus before the Sanhedrin according to Mark's gospel. (b) Give two ...

Answer Details

(a) The trial of Jesus before the Sanhedrin according to Mark (Mark 14:53-65)

After Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, He was led away to the high priest, and all the chief priests, the elders and the scribes were assembled. Peter followed at a distance and sat with the guards, warming himself at the fire in the courtyard.

The chief priests and the whole council sought testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death, but they found none. Many bore false witness against Him, yet their testimonies did not agree. Some stood up and testified falsely that they heard Him say, "I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands." Even about this their witness did not agree.

The high priest then stood up and asked Jesus, "Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?" But Jesus remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked Him, "Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?" Jesus answered, "I am; and you will see the Son of man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven."

At this the high priest tore his garments and declared that Jesus had spoken blasphemy and that they needed no further witnesses. He asked for their judgement, and they all condemned Him as deserving death. Then some began to spit on Him, to cover His face and strike Him, saying, "Prophesy!" and the guards received Him with blows.

(b) Two reasons people bear false witness against others

• Envy, hatred and the desire to destroy someone they see as a rival or threat.
• Greed and bribery, when people are paid or promised gain to give false testimony.